Chapter 15: First Meeting with Xiao Yixian

Qingshan Town, nestled in the northeastern province of the Jia Ma Empire, bordered the infamous Monster Beast Mountain Range.

Thanks to Gu Fei's swift travel, he arrived in less than a week, even finding time to refine the Sea Heart Flame along the way.

"Qingshan Town… also known as Beast Town, isn't it?"

Gu Fei murmured, observing the lively streets before him.

Given its proximity to the Monster Beast Mountain Range, the town should have been fraught with danger. After all, beasts rarely respected human territories. Yet Qingshan Town thrived, bustling with trade and cultivation resources—ripe for plundering by powerful monsters.

However, the town was well-defended. Three major mercenary groups, along with over a hundred fighters, patrolled the area. While some mercenaries were rough around the edges, most treated Qingshan Town as their home, fiercely protecting it.

Not a bad place to explore, Gu Fei mused.

Strolling through the streets, he marveled at the vibrant shops before his eyes landed on an elegantly decorated pharmacy—Ten Thousand Herbs Pavilion.

The scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air, and a few burly mercenaries stood guard at the entrance, likely hired to deter thieves. Though Qingshan Town was orderly, petty crime still lurked in its shadows.

Gu Fei inhaled deeply, a faint smile touching his lips.

Found it.

Just then, light footsteps approached. Instinctively, he turned—and there she was.

A young woman with flowing violet hair stepped inside, clad in a simple white dress. Though not breathtakingly beautiful, her delicate features carried an ethereal grace. Her smile was gentle, exuding a refreshing aura that enhanced her charm.

Her waist, slender enough to be encircled by a single hand, was tied with a pale green sash. Gu Fei had never seen a woman with such a delicate frame.

Unlike his usual black-robed attire in the Black Horn Region, Gu Fei now wore the refined garb of a noble youth—handsome, poised, and effortlessly striking. Even with his aura concealed, his presence commanded attention.

Though his clothes weren't opulent, his bearing marked him as someone of importance—far removed from the rough mercenaries that frequented Qingshan Town.

"Sir, are you looking for medicinal herbs?"

The young woman—Xiao Yixian—approached with a soft smile, her violet eyes glimmering with curiosity. Her hands remained tucked within her sleeves, demure yet poised. (illustration on comment.)

Gu Fei's tone softened involuntarily. He had already guessed her identity—her tranquil demeanor and natural elegance were unmistakable.

"I need Blood Lotus Essence and herbs like the Ice Heart Flame Grass," he replied.

Xiao Yixian blinked, momentarily flustered. Though well-versed in herbs, she had never heard of these rare ingredients.

[Xiao Yixian's suspicion rises. Emotion Points +90.]

A faint blush colored her cheeks as she hesitated, embarrassed by her lack of knowledge.

Noticing her discomfort, Gu Fei offered a gentle explanation.

"Blood Lotus Essence is rarer than Golden Coptis Essence."

She recognized the latter, but the former? Her confusion deepened.

Gu Fei continued, "The moment I entered, I detected its scent—strong and distinct."

Rather than press her, he strode toward the source, scanning the shelves until he found an inconspicuous vial in a corner. He retrieved it and returned, presenting the faintly crimson herb in his palm.

"This is it."

Though similar in appearance to Golden Coptis Essence, the Blood Lotus Essence bore a subtle red hue. Its fragrance was rich—Xiao Yixian inhaled lightly, her spirits lifting instantly.

[Xiao Yixian's admiration grows. Emotion Points +90.]

Gu Fei's expertise impressed her. In Qingshan Town, most noble youths only sought her attention with empty flattery, but this man carried genuine knowledge.

"Sir… are you an alchemist?" she ventured, hope flickering in her eyes.

"I am," he confirmed with a nod.

"Young Master is indeed an alchemist!"

[Xiao Yixian's admiration grows. Emotion Points +100]

Xiao Yixian sighed, her eyes bright with excitement. A faint pink blush appeared on her cheeks.

[Xiao Yixian becomes excited. Emotion Points +80]

Everyone in Qingshan Town knew that the famous Xiao Yixian had always dreamed of becoming an alchemist. Her gentle and kind personality made many people come to her for treatment when injured, and she was exceptionally skilled at healing. This earned her the nickname "Fairy Doctor."

Whenever a powerful alchemist came to Qingshan Town, Xiao Yixian would seek their guidance. However, her innate attributes weren't suitable for alchemy, forcing her to settle for becoming a physician instead.

Physicians could only refine medicinal powders, unable to create the powerful alchemical pills that true alchemists could produce.